European Escape

European Escape

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9 Days From

$2273

European Escape

9 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Rome, Florence, Venice, Lugano, Lucerne, Paris

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

KEFX-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2273

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

On this Escape, you can experience Europe’s most popular destinations without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices. Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris—these exciting and vibrant cities await you on this thrilling European tour. Guided sightseeing tours will highlight the must-see attractions, including the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum the ancient arena of the Gladiators in Rome; the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, where you will see Michelangelo’s famous David statue; the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, dating back to the 14th century; and a Seine cruise in Paris, where you’ll want your camera ready to capture the magnificent views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.

Other highlights of this guided tour of Europe are a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Rome, a pasta dinner in Venice, and a stop in the town of Lugano with its sparkling lake surrounded by the Alps. But that’s not all…throughout this European Escape, Globus has arranged VIP access for you. So, you won’t be waiting in long lines to enter the Vatican Museums in Rome or the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. We work behind the scenes to minimize the lines and wait times, so you can maximize the fun. It’s a trip of a lifetime available at a price that screams, “Let’s go!”

Highlights

  • Guided sightseeing in Rome includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.

  • Guided walking tour in Florence includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square.

  • Private boat ride on the canals of Venice, with an orientation including St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs.

  • Free time in Lugano before a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard tunnel en route to Lucerne.

  • Walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge.

  • Guided sightseeing in Paris includes the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and a Seine cruise.

Places You'll See

Radisson Blu Rome

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Hotel Royal Firenze

Carlton On The Grand Canal

Astoria

Ac Hotel Paris Porte Maillot

Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Rome,Italy

Location: Rome

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2: Rome

Location: Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

ROME When in Rome ROME Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time late afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe and wonder amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Hear how in 1508, a young Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to decorate the chapel’s ceiling – a request not welcomed by the 33-year-old sculptor. Michelangelo’s 4-year project was indeed one of physical pain and psychological distress, while painting from scaffolds high above the sanctuary floor. Nevertheless, he created what is considered one of the great masterpieces in history.

Day 3: Rome,Florence

Location: Florence

Meals Included: Breakfast

ROME–FLORENCE Fine Art in Firenze Scenic drive en route to Florence.FLORENCE Guided walking tour includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square. Free time. (B) 193 mi / 310 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.

Day 4: Florence,Venice

Location: Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

FLORENCE–VENICE Benvenuti a Venezia VENICE ISLAND Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Orientation includes St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs followed by a glassblower demonstration. This evening [LF] dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 174 mi/ 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza.” As paired with the smaller Piazzetta, it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, is named for the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms.

Day 5: Venice,Lugano,Switzerland,Lucerne

Location: Lugano

Meals Included: Breakfast

VENICE–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE Life on the Lake LUGANO Free time before a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard tunnel en route to Lucerne. (B) 342 mi / 550 kmFREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.

Day 6: Lucerne

Gilda Giorgi
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Location: Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

LUCERNE Sweet Sights of Switzerland LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Free time this afternoon. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.

Day 7: Lucerne,Paris,France

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

LUCERNE–PARIS, FRANCE Drive through the vineyards of Burgundy with views of beautiful castles and pass the Fontainebleau Forest en route to Paris. PARIS Free time this evening. (B) 423 mi / 680 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Glide across the Swiss and French countryside. Pass by Princess- style castles on your way to Paris and get in the mood for the song awaiting in the City of Light.

Day 8: Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

PARIS C’est Magnifique in the City of Light PARIS Guided sightseeing includes an orientation drive and a Seine River cruise. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love whenever we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, you’ll love Paris anytime.

Day 9: Paris

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.PARIS Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Guided Sightseeing in Rome

    Guided sightseeing in Rome includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.

  • Guided Walking Tour in Florence

    Guided walking tour in Florence includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square.

  • Private Boat Ride in Venice

    Private boat ride on the canals of Venice, with an orientation including St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs.

  • Walking Tour in Lucerne

    Walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge.

  • Guided Sightseeing in Paris

    Guided sightseeing in Paris includes the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and a Seine cruise.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris at specified hotels.

  • Meals

    Meals include breakfast daily and several dinners as specified in the itinerary.

  • Transport

    Travel between destinations includes scenic drives through the Swiss Alps and Burgundy vineyards, a private boat ride on Venice's canals, and a Seine cruise in Paris.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and processing are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Historic Centre of Florence|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Paris Banks of the Seine|Venice and its Lagoon

Accommodation

Rome:Radisson Blu Rome
Florence:Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Florence:Hotel Royal Firenze
Venice:Carlton on the Grand Canal
Lucerne:Astoria
Paris:AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot
Paris:Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Notes

The Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.
For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is used during the European Escape tour?

    The tour includes scenic drives through the Swiss Alps and Burgundy vineyards, a private boat ride on Venice's canals, and a Seine cruise in Paris.

  • What are some of the highlights of the guided sightseeing in Rome?

    The guided sightseeing in Rome includes visits to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum.

  • What can I expect during the walking tour in Florence?

    The walking tour in Florence includes visits to the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square, with some free time to explore.

  • What activities are included in the Venice portion of the tour?

    In Venice, the tour includes a private boat ride on the canals, an orientation that covers St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblower demonstration.

  • What will I see during the walking tour in Lucerne?

    The walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge, with free time in the afternoon.

  • What are the highlights of the guided sightseeing in Paris?

    The guided sightseeing in Paris includes the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and a cruise on the Seine River.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at Starhotels Michelangelo or Starhotels Metropole in Rome, Hotel Royal Firenze or Grand Hotel Mediterraneo in Florence, Carlton on the Grand Canal in Venice, Astoria in Lucerne, and Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel or AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot in Paris.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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